IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

Merrill Hinkle

Celebration of Life for Merrill Joe Hinkle, 96, Mayetta, who passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at Wetmore Cemetery in Wetmore.

Military honors will be provided by the Holton and Wetmore VFW posts and Holton American Legion post.

Born Sept. 17, 1926, in Powhattan to George Blaine and Della Faye (Newlin) Hinkle, Merrill graduated from Peabody High School in 1944 and proudly served in the U.S. Navy.

He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber in many departments, retiring after 38 years.

He was a member of Wetmore American Legion post and Moose lodge in Topeka.

Merrill was a rock hound. He enjoyed painting, polka dancing, and woodworking. He built two personal homes through the years.

Merrill married Margarite Louis Keeler on Nov. 21, 1949, in Horton. She preceded him in death Sept. 8, 2020, after 70 years of marriage.

He also was preceded in death by his parents, George Blaine and Della Hinkle; son, Michael Joe Hinkle; and brother, Jewell Hinkle.

Survivors include sons Bruce Hinkle (and wife Georgette) of Mayetta and Morris Hinkle (and wife Janis) of Topeka; daughter Linda Mortimer (and husband Harold) of Wichita; sister Laura Autrey of Topeka; brother Edward Hinkle of Foreman, Arkansas; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; plus several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be given to the 4-H of your choice or Wetmore American Legion Post 282 in care of Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton KS 66436.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.